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Helmet help

3K views 14 replies 14 participants last post by  verona1016 
#1 ·
Hey, I need some guidance with buying a riding helmet. I am looking on Dover Saddlery website and there seems to be a variety of helmets and wide price range. Can anyone tell me if this helmet is a good one to have for a beginner? This one is inexpensive and certified, but do you think it does not provide ample protection.

Troxel Spirit Helmet | Dover Saddlery



-Mike
 
#2 ·
I haven't tried a Troxel but a lot of people on here seem to not like them...more recommended brands tend to be Ovation or Tipperary (in particular, the Tipperary Sportage - which I have and love). Is there a riding outfitter near you? Might be worth it to go and try a few on so you can be sure to get the right fit.
 
#4 ·
Well the main problem I have with Troxels, is that none of them fit me correctly. There is nothing wrong with them (and they have to pass the same tests as any other helmet). It is just that they are designed to fit people with round heads.

Personally I use an Ovation Helmet, because it fits my oddly shaped head the best.

And it would definitely be worth trying on as many different types of helmet as you can to find the best fit.
 
#5 ·
You really need to try helmets on, Brand, Style, and Size will vary the fit. I am one of those that can't wear a Troxel but my Tipperary Sportage feels perfect. Don't buy into the staement that Troxels are not made well they have to meet the same standards as any certified helmet.
 
#6 ·
I started with that helmet and it held up fine! i have it does well in its job.
 
#7 ·
I keep saying this, but I'll say it again;

in my experience, the Troxel fits a very round head, while the Tipperary fits a more oval head. Which is your head? There should be no "gaps" around the outline of your skull, and it should be snug enough that when you tip the brim up and down, your eyebrows are pulled up and down. It will feela bit snug at first but you will adjust.
I used to ride in Troxel, but they always movved on my head. My Tip Sportage is a lovebug; light, cool, comfy.
 
#9 ·
I have Troxels, in fact, one of my children rides in the helmet you mentioned. We really like them, but the girl who rides with me can't wear them because they don't fit her head properly. We had to get her something else, can't remember what at the moment. Her helmet actually bruises my forehead! I think you'd be best off going somewhere you could try on several different brands to see which fits you best. You can always order the helmet you like online if its cheaper there. :)
 
#11 ·
As long as the hat has the right safety certificates- like in britain there is BS EN1384 as an example- and fits you properly, its fine!

The most important thing to do is make sure it fits properly. It is a good idea to go into a shop for the first helmet you buy because the people in there will make sure you have a correctly fitting hat that is suitable for your needs.

Tha newly bought hat should feel tight at first because the lining will compress slightly with use. I just got a hat that was a size smaller than my head measurement said it should be and it fits perfectly!
 
#15 ·
I would definitely recommend trying on a few helmets at a local store if you can before ordering online. As mentioned earlier, different brands fit different shaped heads, and it sucks having to pay shipping two ways just to try on a helmet that doesn't actually fit you!

With helmets, they usually offer approximately the same protection (as long as they are certified). The more expensive ones just come with more frills- nicer materials, larger ventilation holes, easier to adjust harness systems, removable sweat liners, etc.

I have a bit of a chip on my shoulder with expensive riding helmets, because I also do a fair amount of road biking, and with bicycle helmets, the more expensive helmets are also FAR less bulky (while still offering the same protection). That doesn't seem to carry over into equestrian helmets and I just can't seem to convince myself that it's worth paying $400 for a helmet that makes my head look just as dumb as a $50 helmet :-p
 
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